Gum recession, where gum tissue pulls back from the tooth surface, exposes the sensitive root and can lead to serious oral health issues. It is a common condition that often progresses slowly, making early detection difficult for the average person. Understanding the signs of recession and taking prompt action is important for preserving the underlying bone structure and protecting the teeth. This guide details the causes of receding gums, the professional treatments available, and necessary lifestyle changes for prevention.
How to Identify Receding Gums and What Causes Them
Visual indicators and physical sensations signal gum recession, often before a formal diagnosis. One common visual sign is that affected teeth appear longer than normal because the gum line has moved down. You might also notice a visible difference in the height of the gum tissue between adjacent teeth, resulting in an uneven gum line.
Increased sensitivity in the teeth is a frequent physical symptom, particularly when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. This occurs because the protective gum tissue no longer covers the dentin and cementum layers of the tooth root. In some cases, you can feel a small notch or indentation where the gum meets the tooth.
The primary driver of gum recession is periodontal disease, a progressive bacterial infection that inflames the gums and destroys supporting bone and tissue. This chronic inflammation causes the gums to detach from the tooth surface, creating pockets where bacteria thrive and accelerate tissue loss. Recession is also compounded by habits like aggressive toothbrushing, where excessive force or the use of hard-bristled brushes physically wears away the delicate gum tissue.
Other factors also contribute to the condition’s development. These include genetic predisposition, as some people naturally have thinner or more fragile gum tissue. Tobacco use, whether smoking or chewing, restricts blood flow to the gums, making them more vulnerable to infection and less able to heal. Finally, misaligned teeth or a habit of grinding and clenching (bruxism) places uneven pressure on the gums and underlying bone, which accelerates recession.
Addressing Recession Through Clinical Procedures
When gum recession is diagnosed, professional treatment focuses on eliminating the cause and restoring lost tissue. The first line of treatment, especially if the cause is periodontal disease, is a non-surgical procedure called scaling and root planing. This deep cleaning involves scaling, which removes accumulated plaque and hardened tartar from both the tooth surfaces and below the gum line.
Root planing follows scaling, smoothing the tooth root surfaces to remove bacterial toxins and allow the gums to reattach to the clean surface. This process reduces the depth of the gum pockets and minimizes inflammation. If non-surgical methods are insufficient, a periodontist may recommend surgical options, such as various types of gum grafts.
Gum grafting procedures cover exposed roots, reduce sensitivity, and prevent further bone loss. The most common surgical approach is the Connective Tissue Graft, which involves taking tissue from beneath a small flap on the roof of the mouth and placing it over the exposed root. This technique is preferred for achieving the most natural-looking root coverage and aesthetic results.
Another option is the Free Gingival Graft, where tissue is taken directly from the palate and secured to the area of recession. This increases the thickness of thin gum tissue and reinforces the area against future wear. Alternatively, a Pedicle Graft uses adjacent gum tissue, partially cut and rotated to cover the exposed root, maintaining its original blood supply for faster healing.
In cases where significant bone loss has occurred due to advanced periodontal disease, regenerative procedures may be employed to stimulate the growth of new bone and tissue. Techniques like Guided Tissue Regeneration involve placing a biocompatible membrane between the gum tissue and the tooth root. This membrane blocks fast-growing gum cells, reserving space for slower-growing bone and ligament cells to regenerate and stabilize the tooth.
Lifestyle Adjustments and Long-Term Prevention
Managing gum recession and preventing its recurrence relies on consistent changes to daily oral care habits. The most immediate adjustment is changing your brushing technique and tools. Switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric brush with a pressure sensor is necessary to avoid abrasive wear on the gums.
Proper technique involves holding the brush at a 45-degree angle toward the gum line and using small, gentle circular motions rather than aggressive scrubbing. Flossing daily is equally important, as it removes plaque and food debris from between the teeth and just below the gum line, areas a toothbrush cannot effectively reach.
Routine professional care is essential for preventing further recession. Regular dental check-ups allow the dentist to monitor the gum line and measure pocket depths to catch changes early. Professional cleanings every six months, or more frequently as recommended, ensure the complete removal of hardened plaque (tartar) that contributes to inflammation and tissue loss.
Addressing underlying risk factors is necessary for long-term prevention. Quitting all forms of tobacco use is important because these products impair blood circulation in the gums and promote plaque buildup. If teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) is a factor, wearing a custom-fitted nightguard can absorb the forces that stress the gums and supporting bone. A balanced diet and adequate hydration also support gum health by promoting saliva production, which helps neutralize acid and clean the mouth.